"That's not my decision; that is why we vote as players and
coaches, and the fans get a percent of that as well. I think I've
earned the respect of other coaches and players around this league,
and that is what I'm concerned with and, obviously, just doing my
job on this team."

That was Jackson on Monday, one day before the wide receiver was
given an all-star stiff arm despite his downfield production.

But there was a feeling Jackson might fall short, thus
qualifying for the Chargers' Jamal Williams Pro Bowl Award.

Remember all those years Williams was ignored, which
is difficult to do considering his size and skills? Williams was
patient and eventually made three Pro Bowls.

Now it's Jackson's turn to be patient while maintaining his
aggressiveness in passing situations.

Jackson leads the AFC with a whopping 17.2 yards per catch. He
has clicked with Rivers 68 times for 1,167 yards and nine
touchdowns. There's a long reception of 55 yards, 17 of 20-plus
yards and four of at least 40.

"I think Vincent Jackson is deserving," Chargers coach Norv
Turner said. "(Wide receiver is) a hard position to make it,
because there are a lot of people who have more catches than him.
... Obviously, the big plays he makes are critical to us."

The nasty Dielman heads to his third straight Pro Bowl, but was
miffed ---- typically ---- that Jackson won't accompany him.

"Vincent gets lost in the shuffle because there are so many
great receivers in the AFC, but if you're going to tell me he's not
one of the top three I think you're sorely mistaken," Dielman
said.

While Jackson won't see action, here's to having all the
Chargers miss the Pro Bowl. The game was switched to the Sunday
before the Super Bowl, meaning those who reach the big dance won't
get a Pro Bowl spin.

Rivers' second Pro Bowl selection at least hits high notes that
needed to be struck. Despite owning the AFC's best rating and
rolling the Chargers to a 10-game winning streak, Rivers is still
underappreciated. His teammates are bothered Rivers' name isn't
more prominent in the MVP chatter.

"I think it's ridiculous that people are not talking about him
for the MVP,'' said LaDainian Tomlinson, the 2006 NFL MVP. "He's
been the catalyst for this team and our success on offense for us
in winning 10 straight games. What else do you want him to do? He's
been a guy that you look at when you talk about MVP
candidates."

Added Turner: "I would hope he would have consideration because
it's hard to play at the level he's played this year and do it for
such an extended period of time."

Gates is enjoying a career year en route to his sixth
consecutive Pro Bowl.

For Kaeding, second in the NFL in points, it's his second time.
Osgood is especially good at special teams, which earned his third
Pro Bowl nod.

What's a head shaker is typing a Chargers Pro Bowl story that
doesn't include Tomlinson. Slowed by injuries, longevity and an
offense built to throw, Tomlinson's streak of five Pro Bowl seasons
is over.

"I'm OK with that," Tomlinson said in anticipation of being
skipped. "At this point, I've enjoyed my time and I believe one day
I will get back to the Pro Bowl. There is something more important
to me than making the Pro Bowl. Obviously, wining the championship
would be the best thing for me."

What's best for the Chargers? A motivated Jackson proving in the
postseason that the voters got it all wrong.